Use Google on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Restoring Google as Your Default Search Engine on Apple Devices

Recent changes by Apple have focused on diminishing Google’s presence within their operating systems. This includes utilizing Bing as the default search provider for Siri and Spotlight. Speculation also suggests a potential shift to Yahoo! or Bing as the default within the Safari browser.

Many users who prefer Google’s search capabilities may find this increased integration of alternative engines undesirable. Fortunately, it is possible to revert to Google as your primary search engine.

Reclaiming Google in Safari

The Safari browser is a key area where Apple is considering changes. Currently, you can manually set Google as your preferred search engine.

Open Safari on your Apple device.
Navigate to Safari > Preferences in the menu bar.
Select the Search tab.
In the "Search engine" dropdown menu, choose Google.

This adjustment ensures that searches initiated directly within Safari will utilize Google’s index.

Restoring Google in Siri and Spotlight

While a direct setting change isn't currently available for Siri and Spotlight, the default is currently Bing. Apple may offer more customization options in future updates.

For now, you can still access Google through Siri by specifically requesting it. For example, instead of saying "Search for...", say "Google search for..."

Maintaining Your Preference

It’s important to periodically check these settings. Apple’s ongoing efforts to promote alternative search engines may require you to revisit these preferences after system updates.

By following these steps, users can maintain their preferred search experience despite Apple’s evolving default settings. This allows continued access to Google’s search results and features.

Utilizing Siri with Your Preferred Search Engine

By default, Siri on your iPhone or iPad utilizes Microsoft Bing as its primary web search engine. Simply vocalizing a search query or prefacing it with the word "search" will prompt Siri to leverage Bing for results.

However, it is also possible to instruct Siri to conduct searches using Google. To do so, begin your request with the term "Google" followed by your desired search terms. For instance, instead of asking "vacation destinations," state "Google vacation destinations."

This functionality is anticipated to extend to Siri on Mac computers, should it become available. The ability to specify a search engine stems from Siri’s capacity to direct queries to particular sources.

As an example, you can preface a question with "Wolfram Alpha" to have Siri consult that computational knowledge engine. Siri generally attempts to intelligently determine the optimal search destination, but consistently favors Bing over Google.

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Focus on Mac's Spotlight Feature

Related: Enhancing Spotlight Search with Flashlight for Mac OS X

With the release of Mac OS X Yosemite, the Spotlight search function began utilizing Bing as its web search provider, rather than Google.

Currently, Apple has not implemented an official plug-in system for Spotlight, restricting users to the pre-selected services offered by the operating system.

Flashlight addresses this limitation by utilizing reverse engineering to introduce a plug-in system. This allows for extensive customization of Spotlight’s functionality.

After installing Flashlight and activating the Google plug-in, users can invoke Spotlight using the Command+Space keyboard shortcut.

Typing "g Search" within Spotlight will then initiate a search on Google, providing an alternative to the default Bing results.

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iPhone and iPad Spotlight Search: A Closer Look

Spotlight, the search functionality on iOS devices – activated by swiping down from the home screen – currently utilizes Bing to deliver web search results.

This is despite the availability of alternative search engines. Users can presently initiate a search within Spotlight and then select "Search Web" to execute the same query via Google in their preferred browser.

Potential Changes and User Options

A shift in Apple’s strategy could occur, potentially mirroring the behavior of Spotlight on macOS. If Apple were to mandate Bing as the exclusive web search provider for Spotlight on iOS, users might find it more convenient to directly employ their web browser for all online searches.

This would allow continued access to Google’s search capabilities. The current system offers a degree of flexibility for those who prefer a search engine other than Bing.

Consider utilizing your browser directly if you consistently favor Google. This ensures your searches are conducted through your preferred platform.

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Maintaining control over your search engine choice remains possible with the current iOS setup. The "Search Web" option provides a straightforward pathway to Google.

Safari on Your Mac

Currently, Apple continues to utilize Google as the default search engine within the Safari web browser, though a transition appears increasingly likely in the future.

Should this change occur, or if the default search engine has been altered, restoring your preferred option is a straightforward process. Begin by opening Safari, then selecting the Safari menu located at the top of your screen. From there, choose Preferences.

Within the Preferences window, click the Search icon. A drop-down menu will then allow you to select Google, or any other search engine you wish to designate as your default.

Changing Your Default Search Engine

The process for modifying the default search engine is easily reversible. This ensures you maintain control over your browsing experience.

Selecting a different search provider can be beneficial for privacy or access to specialized search results. Consider your individual needs when making your selection.

Open Safari and navigate to Preferences.
Select the Search tab.
Choose your desired search engine from the available options.

These simple steps allow for quick customization of your Safari browser. You can readily switch between search engines as needed.

Utilizing Safari on iPhone and iPad Devices

The functionality of the Safari browser is consistent across both iPhones and iPads. Access the Settings application, then scroll downwards to locate and select the Safari section.

Within the Safari settings, tap on the "Search Engine" option. From there, choose Google as your preferred search provider, or alternatively, select another search engine of your choosing.

Should you primarily use Chrome or a different web browser, adjustments to that specific browser’s settings will be necessary to designate your desired search engine.

It’s important to note that the aforementioned setting exclusively impacts the Safari browser; other browsers require independent configuration.

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Utilizing Google Apps on iPhone and iPad

Further Reading: A Guide to Selecting Default Applications on iPhones and iPads

Apple has been actively reducing the presence of Google services within iOS, notably substituting Google Maps with its native Maps application.

However, users who rely on Google’s services, such as Maps and Gmail, can readily install the corresponding apps directly from the App Store.

Maintaining Preferred Apps

While iOS does not currently support system-wide default app customization, methods exist to continue using your preferred applications.

For instance, clicking a map link within Gmail or Chrome will launch the location in Google Maps, rather than Apple Maps.

Our comprehensive guide details strategies for navigating the absence of system-wide default app settings on iOS, allowing you to prioritize Google’s services.

This ensures a seamless experience for those who prefer Google’s ecosystem.

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Key Takeaways

Google Apps are available for download on the App Store.
Gmail and Chrome can be configured to open maps in Google Maps.
Workarounds exist to prioritize Google services despite iOS limitations.

Leveraging the Services Menu on macOS

The macOS operating system features a frequently overlooked, yet powerful tool known as the Services menu. This menu facilitates the execution of rapid actions directly within your workflow.

A particularly useful function within this menu allows for instant text searches utilizing Google. Select any text within an application, then either right-click or Control-click on the highlighted portion.

From the resulting context menu, navigate to "Services" and choose the "Search with Google" option. Alternatively, a user-defined keyboard shortcut can be employed to initiate a Google search for the selected text from any location.

Should the "Services" option not be immediately visible, access it through the application's menu located on the menu bar. Select the application name, then "Services," and finally, "Search with Google."

A Long-Standing macOS Feature

This functionality has been a component of macOS for a considerable period, remaining relatively unknown to many users. Consequently, Apple has not yet incorporated an option to "Search with Bing" within the Services menu.

If the Services menu is not appearing as expected, consult a guide on managing and enabling Services within macOS settings. It may require explicit activation.

It is important to note that this information is not an endorsement of Google. Users who prefer alternative search engines, such as Bing, Yahoo!, or DuckDuckGo, are encouraged to continue utilizing their preferred platform.

However, these techniques are designed to streamline the experience for those who favor Google while working within the Apple ecosystem. Customization is possible, allowing the use of other search engines through similar methods.

These shortcuts can help maintain a consistent search experience across different applications and workflows.